Who Should I Start? Jerome Ford or MarShawn Lloyd

Wednesday, July 9, 3:20 PM

According to Zac Jackson of The Athletic, Cleveland Browns veteran running back Jerome Ford is likely to open the 2025 season in the RB1 role. The team just selected former Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins and former Tennessee running back Dylan Sampson in the first four rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, so this backfield could be difficult to navigate for fantasy football purposes. However, Ford's familiarity with Kevin Stefanski and his pro experience could give him the early nod. The 25-year-old has flashed at times over the last two seasons, compiling 308 carries for 1,378 yards and seven touchdowns. However, the Browns' selecting two rookie running backs should tell us they are not all that satisfied with Ford as the unquestioned RB1. Even if he starts the season as the touch-leader in the backfield, this will likely be a fluid situation based on which Cleveland ball carrier performs well in the preseason and during the regular season. With the Nick Chubb era officially over, the Browns backfield is being reshaped, and one of Ford, Judkins, or Sampson could be a tremendous value pick.

Friday, July 11, 3:00 PM

Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd is "in a much better spot" and the team has "a lot of high expectations for him," Green Bay running backs coach Ben Sirmans told Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Drafted in the third round in 2024, Lloyd had a lost year as a rookie. He appeared in just one game for Green Bay last season, totaling six carries for 15 yards. Lloyd suffered myriad injuries to his hip, ankle, hamstring, and appendicitis. In the same article, Schneidman notes that Lloyd is "essentially a lock" to make the Packers' 53-man roster, but may not start as the number two running back on the depth chart behind Josh Jacobs. He's competing with Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks for the role, both of whom flashed at different points in 2024. Lloyd has a ways to go before he's relevant for fantasy managers, but his progress in camp should be monitored by those looking for a Jacobs handcuff.